RCMP warn to watch your stuff at IPE

ARMSTRONG - Following three thefts from vehicles Monday night in Armstrong, police are advising the public to take precautions with their belongings.

The Interior Provincial Exhibition launches today, and will draw thousands through its gates.

"With the IPE comes an influx of people, and (some) individuals prey on people who are having a good time," RCMP spokesperson Gord Molendyk says. "It's a great opportunity for these people who wish to take advantage of it."

He says thieves can strike any time of the day, including broad daylight.

"These individuals can be pretty brazen. They'll walk up to your car like it's their own," he says.

The best protection is to leave valuables at home, but if you must bring them with you, Molendyk recommends locking them up in the trunk before you park.

"If one of these people sees you putting (valuables) in your trunk, you could be a target," he says.

"We want people to be cognizant and aware that these people are out there. (A theft) is a good way to turn your fun day at the fair into a bad one."

Thefts aren't the only thing fairgoers have to watch out for. Molendyk says in the past, there have been problems with people parking in front of driveways, fire hydrants and other non-parking spots.

"We will be looking for people not parking in designated spots," he says.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infotelnews.ca, call (250)309-5230 or tweet @charhelston.

OPINION Editor, This is a busy time of year, but I find it’s also a time of reflection, particularly as January marks the end of my two-year term as Chair and my 10 years serving on the Board of Interior